U.S. patent number 4,927,605 [Application Number 07/041,153] was granted by the patent office on 1990-05-22 for specimen collection and sampling container.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Wadley Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gordon L. Dorn, Michael A. Johnson.
United States Patent |
4,927,605 |
Dorn , et al. |
May 22, 1990 |
Specimen collection and sampling container
Abstract
The invention provides a specimen collection and sampling
device, particularly useful for urine samples, for collecting a
liquid sample and segregating an aliquot of the sample away from
contact with the remaining portion of the sample. This segregation
is accomplished as the lid is closed on the container. In one
embodiment, the aliquot sample is transferred to an evacuated tube
held within the container. In another embodiment, the aliquot is
held within a sample chamber that is built into the container. In a
preferred embodiment, the aliquot is mixed with a treating agent to
maintain the microbiological integrity of the aliquot, or to
provide an appropriate reagent or buffer for drug analysis.
Inventors: |
Dorn; Gordon L. (Dallas,
TX), Johnson; Michael A. (Fort Worth, TX) |
Assignee: |
Wadley Technologies, Inc.
(Dallas, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
21915023 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/041,153 |
Filed: |
April 22, 1987 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/557;
422/68.1; 436/176; 436/18; 436/180; 600/576; 600/578; 604/411;
604/414; 73/864.22; 73/864.23; 73/864.84; 73/864.86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
10/007 (20130101); A61B 2010/0009 (20130101); Y10T
436/108331 (20150115); Y10T 436/2575 (20150115); Y10T
436/2525 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
10/00 (20060101); G01N 001/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;422/102,100,58,61,68
;436/18,176,180
;73/863.52,863.21,864.01,864.22,864.23,864.52,864.83,864.84,864.85,864.86
;128/760,763,765 ;604/317,403,411,414,415 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1019500 |
|
Feb 1966 |
|
DE |
|
947908 |
|
Jan 1964 |
|
GB |
|
Other References
"A Urine Preservative System to Maintain Bacterial Counts",
Goodman, et al.; Clinical Pediatrics, Jul. 1985, pp.
383-386..
|
Primary Examiner: Richman; Barry S.
Assistant Examiner: Kummert; Lynn M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Richards, Medlock & Andrews
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A specimen collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup,
a main compartment contained within the cup,
at least one sample chamber attached to said container, the at
least one sample chamber positioned and arranged to receive an
aliquot of specimen from said main compartment;
segregation means for segregating the aliquot into the at least one
sample chamber as the lid is closed onto the cup, the segregation
means preventing fluid flow between the main compartment and the at
least one sample chamber when said aliquot of specimen is being
removed from the at least one sample chamber;
a support chamber projecting from the lid, inside the cup and
towards the bottom end of the cup when the lid is placed on the
cup, an evacuated tube being held within said support chamber;
and
an accordion-shaped shaft connected to the support chamber and
holding a needle, the shaft contacting the bottom of the cup when
the lid is closed on the cup.
2. A specimen collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup,
a main compartment contained within the cup,
at least one sample chamber attached to said container, the at
least one sample chamber positioned and arranged to receive an
aliquot of specimen from said main compartment;
segregation means for segregating the aliquot into the at least one
sample chamber as the lid is closed onto the cup, the segregation
means preventing fluid flow between the main compartment and the at
least one sample chamber when said aliquot of specimen is being
removed from the at least one sample chamber;
a support chamber projecting from the lid, inside the cup and
towards the bottom end of the cup when the lid is placed on the
cup, an evacuated tube being held within said support chamber and
having a stopped end; and
a compressible shaft with a needle mounted on the shaft with the
needle being positioned and arranged to pierce the stoppered end of
the evacuated tube as the lid is closed on the cup, the shaft being
connected to the support chamber and being compressible as the
shaft contacts the bottom of the cup when the lid is closed on the
cup, and the shaft having ports near the base of the shaft for
receiving liquid from the main compartment and allowing the liquid
to flow up to the needle.
3. The container of claims 1 or 2 wherein the lid defines an access
hole for enabling removal of the evacuated tube from the support
chamber with the lid closed on the cup.
4. The container of claim 3 further comprising a peel-off cover for
covering the access hole and holding the evacuated tube in the
support chamber.
5. The container of claim 4 wherein the peel-off cover is a
flexible semi-rigid material that is coated with an adhesive to
enable the peel-off cover to stick to the lid.
6. The container of claims 1 or 2 wherein the lid is a snap-on lid,
the snap-on lid having closure means for securing the snap-on lid
closed upon the cup.
7. The container of claims 1 or 2 wherein the lid is a screw-on lid
with the screw-on lid having threads that mate with threads on the
cup.
8. A specimen collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup,
a main compartment contained within the cup,
at least one sample chamber attached to said container, the at
least one sample chamber positioned and arranged to receive an
aliquot of specimen from said main compartment;
segregation means for segregating the aliquot into the at least one
sample chamber as the lid is closed onto the cup, the segregation
means preventing fluid flow between the main compartment and the at
least one sample chamber when said aliquot of specimen is being
removed from the at least one sample chamber; and
a support chamber projecting from the lid, inside the cup and
towards the bottom end of the cup when the lid is placed on the
cup, an evacuated tube being held within said support chamber and
having a stoppered end;
a needle support means for positioning a needle below the stoppered
end of the evacuated tube when the lid is placed on the cup, the
needle support means being connected to the support chamber, the
needle support means having ports that allow fluid to flow from the
main compartment into the needle, and the needle support means
being slidably engaged with the support chamber.
9. The container of claim 8 wherein the needle support means is a
column support connected to the support chamber, the needle being
attached in a substantially vertical position to said column
support, the column support having ports near the base of said
column support for receiving fluid from the main compartment and
allowing the fluid to flow up to the needle, the column support
being positioned below the stoppered end of the evacuated tube and
contacting the bottom of the cup when the lid is closed on the
cup.
10. A specimen collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup,
a main compartment contained within the cup,
at least one sample chamber attached to said container, the at
least one sample chamber positioned and arranged to receive an
aliquot of specimen from said main compartment;
segregation means for segregating the aliquot into the at least one
sample chamber as the lid is closed onto the cup, the segregation
means preventing fluid flow between the main compartment and the at
least one sample chamber when said aliquot of specimen is being
removed from the at least one sample chamber;
a support chamber projecting from the lid, inside the cup and
towards the bottom end of the cup when the lid is placed on the
cup, an evacuated tube being held within said support chamber and
having a stoppered end;
a needle support means for positioning a needle below the stoppered
end of the evacuated tube when the lid is placed on the cup, the
needle support means being connected to the support chamber and the
needle support means having ports that allow fluid to flow from the
main compartment into the needle; and
wherein the lid has a portion defining an access hole through which
the evacuated tube may be removed with the lid closed on the cup,
and the access hole being covered with a peel-off cover that holds
the evacuated tube within the support chamber.
11. The container of claim 10 wherein the lid is a snap-on lid, the
snap-on lid having closure means for securing the snap-on lid to
the cup, and the snap-on lid further comprising a piston protruding
from the snap-on lid positioned to force the evacuated tube onto
the needle as the snap-on lid is snapped closed on the cup.
12. The container of claim 10 wherein the lid is a screw-on lid
having threads that mate with threads on the cup, the screw-on lid
further comprising an inner rim that contacts the upper end of the
evacuated tube and forces the evacuated tube down onto the needle
as the screw-on lid is screwed onto the cup.
13. A specimen collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup;
a main compartment contained within the cup;
a plurality of sample chambers attached to said container, the
plurality of sample chambers positioned and arranged to receive an
aliquot of specimen from said main compartment; and
segregation means for segregating the aliquot into the plurality of
sample chambers as the lid is closed onto the cup, the segregation
means preventing fluid flow between the main compartment and the
plurality of sample chambers when said aliquot of specimen is being
removed from the plurality of sample chambers.
14. A specimen collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup;
a main compartment contained within the cup;
a support chamber projecting from the lid, inside the cup and
towards the bottom end of the cup when the lid is placed on the
cup;
a plurality of evacuated tubes held within said support chamber,
the evacuated tubes positioned and arranged to receive an aliquot
of specimen from the main compartment; and
segregation means for segregating the aliquot into the evacuated
tubes as the lid is closed onto the cup, the segregation means
preventing fluid flow between the main compartment and the
evacuated tubes when said aliquot of specimen is being removed from
the sample chamber.
15. A specimen collection container, comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup;
a main compartment contained within the cup;
at least one sample chamber attached to said container, the at
least one sample chamber positioned and arranged to receive an
aliquot of specimen from said main compartment; and
segregation means for segregation the aliquot into the at least one
sample chamber as the lid is closed onto the cup, the segregation
means preventing fluid flow between the main compartment and the at
least one sample chamber when said aliquot of specimen is being
removed from the at least one sample chamber;
wherein the at least one sample chamber is a separate chamber built
into the cup with a passage to allow fluid to enter the at least
one sample chamber from the main compartment;
wherein the at least one sample chamber is located around the
bottom end of the inside surface of the cup;
wherein the segregation means comprises a flexible plastic strip
slideably engaged within a grooved slot on a side of the cup with
the passage opening to the at least one sample chamber located near
a base of the slot, the plastic strip extending up the wall of the
cup to the top of the cup, whereby, upon closing the lid upon the
cup, the lid contacts the plastic strip and forces the plastic
strip down within the slot so as to cover the passage opening to
the at least one sample chamber.
16. The container of claim 15 wherein the cup wall defines an
external sample port in fluid communication with the at least one
sample chamber and through which fluid from the at least one sample
chamber may be withdrawn.
17. A specimen collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup,
a main compartment contained within the cup,
at least one sample chamber attached to said container, the at
least one sample chamber positioned and arranged to receive an
aliquot of specimen from said main compartment; and
segregation means for segregating the aliquot into the at least one
sample chamber as the lid is closed onto the cup, the segregation
means preventing fluid flow between the main compartment and the at
least one sample chamber when said aliquot of specimen is being
removed from the at least one sample chamber;
wherein the at least one sample chamber is a separate chamber built
into the cup with a passage to allow fluid to enter the at least
one sample chamber from the main compartment;
wherein the at least one sample chamber is built into the cup below
the main compartment of the cup, and further comprising an external
sample port in fluid communication with the at least one sample
chamber through which fluid from the at least one sample chamber
may be withdrawn;
a protrusion extending from the lid towards the bottom of the cup
and the protrusion operating to close the passage opening to the at
least one sample chamber as the lid is closed on the cup thereby
sealing off the flow of fluid from the main compartment to the at
least one sample chamber.
18. The container of claim 17 wherein the protrusion operates to
close the opening by the end of the protrusion screwing into a
threaded opening as the lid is screwed onto the cup, the end of the
protrusion having threaded sides that fit with the threaded
opening.
19. The container of claim 17 further comprising a hinged flap
attached to the bottom of the main compartment that covers the
passage opening to the at least one sample chamber when the flap is
in a closed position, and wherein the flap is forced into the
closed position by said protrusion as the lid is closed on the
cup.
20. The container of claim 19 further comprising catch means for
holding the hinged flap in the closed position once the hinged flap
has been positioned to cover the passage opening.
21. The container of claim 17 further comprising a plug connected
to a compressible support means which is connected to the bottom
end of the main compartment and the plug being positioned above the
passage opening to the at least one sample chamber such that when
the lid is closed on the cup the protrusion from the lid contacts
the plug and forces the plug into the passage opening thereby
sealing off the flow of fluid into the at least one sample
chamber.
22. The container of claim 21 further comprising tabs on the plug
that hold the plug in place once the plug has been introduced into
the passage opening.
23. The container of claim 17 further comprising a break-away plug
connected to the, protrusion, such that as the lid is closed on the
cup, the protrusion forces the break-away plug into the passage
opening thereby sealing off the flow of fluid to the at least one
sample chamber, the plug being attached to the protrusion in such a
way that the plug breaks off from the protrusion as the lid is
removed and the protrusion withdrawn.
24. The container of claim 23 further comprising catch means for
retaining the plug in the passage opening once the plug has been
introduced into the opening.
25. A urine collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end,
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup;
a support chamber attached to the underside of the lid that
projects towards the bottom end of the cup when the lid is closed
onto the cup,
an evacuated tube with a stoppered end, the evacuated tube being
held within the support chamber with the stoppered end of the
evacuated tube directed towards the bottom end of the cup as the
lid is closed on the cup,
a shaft connected to the support chamber such that the shaft
contacts the bottom end of the cup as the lid is closed on the cup,
and the shaft having ports near the base of the shaft, and
a hollow needle attached to the shaft, the needle having one end
positioned and arranged for piercing the stopper on the evacuated
tube, and the one end being positioned directly below the stoppered
end of the evacuated tube held in the support chamber as the lid is
closed on the cup, the needle being in fluid communication with the
ports of the shaft,
whereby, as the lid is closed on the cup, the shaft is forced
against the bottom of the cup and the stoppered end of the
evacuated tube is forced down upon the needle and the needle
pierces the stoppered end of the evacuated tube thereby drawing
fluid from the cup into the evacuated tube; wherein the lid defines
an access hole for removing the evacuated tube from the cup when
the lid closes on the cup, and the access hole being covered with a
flexible, semi-rigid, peel-off cover that may be removed in order
to remove the evacuated tube.
26. The container of claim 25 wherein a portion of the shaft is a
compressible, accordion-shaped shaft.
27. The container of claim 25 wherein the shaft is a rigid
column.
28. The container of claim 25 wherein the lid is a screw-on lid
with closure means comprising a threaded lid on the outer surface
of the open end of the cup and mating threads on the inner surface
of the rim of the lid.
29. A urine collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end,
a lid with closure means for securing the lid onto the cup,
means defining a channel attached to the cup,
an evacuated tube with a stoppered end held within the means
defining a channel with the stoppered end directed towards the
bottom end of the cup,
a needle positioned and arranged for piercing the stoppered end of
the evacuated tube, the needle attached to the means defining a
channel or to the cup and positioned immediately below the
stoppered end of the evacuated tube, and the needle being in fluid
communication with the interior of the cup, and
a protrusion extending from the lid for forcing the evacuated tube
down onto the needle such that the needle pierces the stoppered end
of the evacuated tube when the lid is closed on the cup.
30. The container of claim 29 wherein the lid is a screw-on lid
with associated threads on the inner rim of the lid and on the
outer surface of the cup, and wherein the protrusion on the lid is
an inner rim that projects into the interior of the cup when the
lid is closed onto the cup.
31. A urine collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid with closure means for securing the lid onto the cup;
means defining a channel attached to the cup;
an evacuated tube with a stoppered end held within the means
defining a channel with the stoppered end directed towards the
bottom end of the cup;
a needle positioned and arranged for piercing the stoppered end of
the evacuated tube, the needle attached to the means defining a
channel or to the cup and positioned immediately below the
stoppered end of the evacuated tube, and the needle being in fluid
communication with the interior of the cup;
a protrusion extending from the lid for forcing the evacuated tube
down onto the needle such that the needle pierces the stoppered end
of the evacuated tube when the lid is closed on the cup; and
wherein the lid is a snap-on lid and wherein the protrusion on the
lid is a piston-like protrusion that contacts an upper end of the
evacuated tube and forces the evacuated tube down onto the needle
as the lid is closed.
32. A urine collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to fit securely onto the open end of
the cup to close the cup;
a main compartment in the cup for receiving and holding a
specimen;
a sample chamber built into the cup having a passage that allows
fluid to enter the sample chamber from the main compartment;
an external sample port in fluid communication with the sample
chambe, the external sample port positioned and arranged to allow
for fluid to be withdrawn from the sample chamber; and
closure means for closing the passage opening to the sample chamber
as the lid is closed on the cup.
33. The container of claim 32 wherein the closure means comprises a
flexible strip slideably engaged within a grooved slot, an upper
end of the strip contacting the lid as the lid is closed on the cup
and being forced down so as to cover the passage opening.
34. A urine collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to fit securely onto the open end of
the cup to close the cup;
a main compartment in the cup for receiving and holding a
specimen;
a sample chamber built into the cup having a passage that allows
fluid to enter the sample chamber from the main compartment;
an external sample port in fluid communication with the sample
chamber, the external sample port positioned and arranged to allow
for fluid to be withdrawn from the sample chamber;
closure means for closing the passage opening to the sample chamber
as the lid is closed on the cup; and
wherein the closure means comprises a protrusion extending from the
lid that has a threaded end and wherein the passage opening to the
sample chamber is threaded to receive the threaded end of the
protrusion as the lid is closed on the cup.
35. A urine collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to fit securely onto the open end of
the cup to close the cup;
a main compartment in the cup for receiving and holding a
specimen;
a sample chamber built into the cup having a passage that allows
fluid to enter the sample chamber from the main compartment;
an external sample port in fluid communication with the sample
chamber, the external sample port positioned and arranged to allow
for fluid to be withdrawn from the sample chamber;
closure means for closing the passage opening to the sample chamber
as the lid is closed on the cup; and
wherein the closure means comprises a protrusion extending from the
lid and a hinged flap attached to the bottom of the cup near the
passage opening such that as the lid is closed on the cup, the
protrusion forces the hinged flap down over the passage opening so
as to close the opening.
36. The container of claim 35 further comprising catch means for
holding the hinged flap in the closed position once the hinged flap
has been so positioned.
37. A urine collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to fit securely onto the open end of
the cup to close the cup;
a main compartment in the cup for receiving and holding a
specimen;
a sample chamber built into the cup having a passage that allows
fluid to enter the sample chamber from the main compartment;
an external sample port in fluid communication with the sample
chamber, the external sample port positioned and arranged to allow
for fluid to be withdrawn from the sample chamber;
closure means for closing the passage opening to the sample chamber
as the lid is closed on the cup; and
wherein the closure means comprises a protrusion extending from the
lid and a plug attached by support means to the cup and positioned
above the passage opening such that as the lid is closed on the
cup, the protrusion forces the plug down into the passage
opening.
38. The container of claim 37 further comprising the plug having
tabs that secure the plug in the passage opening once the plug has
been positioned in the opening.
39. A urine collection container comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to fit securely onto the open end of
the cup to close the cup;
a main compartment in the cup for receiving and holding a
specimen;
a sample chamber built into the cup having a passage that allows
fluid to enter the sample chamber from the main compartment;
an external sample port in fluid communication with the sample
chamber, the external sample port positioned and arranged to allow
for fluid to be withdrawn from the sample chamber;
closure means for closing the passage opening to the sample chamber
as the lid is closed on the cup; and
wherein the closure means comprises a break-away plug attached to a
protrusion extending from the lid such that as the lid is closed on
the cup, the protrusion forces the plug into the passage
opening.
40. The container of claim 39 further comprising catch means that
retain the plug in the passage opening once the plug is positioned
in the opening.
41. An article of manufacture comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup;
a main compartment contained within the cup;
at least one sample chamber attached to the article of manufacture,
the at least one sample chamber positioned and arranged to receive
an aliquot of specimen from the main compartment;
segregation means for segregating said aliquot into the at least
one sample chamber as the lid is closed onto the cup, the
segregation means preventing fluid flow between the main
compartment and the at least one sample chamber when the aliquot of
specimen is being removed from the at least one sample chamber;
and
wherein the at least one sample chamber further comprises a
treating agent contained within the at least one sample chamber for
admixture with the specimen.
42. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 41 wherein
the treating agent is a preservative effective for maintaining the
microbial integrity from a time of specimen collection to a time of
specimen analysis.
43. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 42 wherein
the treating agent is a pH altering substance.
44. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 43 wherein
the pH altering substance is a buffer effective for maintaining the
pH at a desired level.
45. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 41 wherein
the treating agent is a reagent effective for detecting the
presence of a chemical component upon admixture with the
specimen.
46. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 45 wherein
the reagent is effective for detecting a drug.
47. An article of manufacture comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end,
a lid positioned and arranged to engage securely with the open top
end of the cup;
a support chamber attached to the underside of the lid that
projects towards the bottom end of the cup when the lid is closed
onto the cup,
an evacuated tube with a stoppered end, the evacuated tube being
held within the support chamber with the stoppered end of the
evacuated tube directed towards the bottom end of the cup as the
lid is closed on the cup;
a shaft connected to the support chamber such that the shaft
contacts the bottom of the cup as the lid is closed on the cup, and
the shaft having ports near a base of the shaft, and
a hollow needle attached to the shaft, the needle having one end
positioned and arranged for piercing the stopper on the evacuated
tube, and said one end being positioned directly below the
stoppered end of the evacuated tube held in the support chamber as
the lid is closed on the cup, the needle being in fluid
communication with the ports of the shaft,
whereby, as the lid is closed on the cup, the shaft is forced
against the bottom end of the cup and the stoppered end of the
evacuated tube is forced down upon the needle and the needle
pierces the stoppered end of the evacuated tube thereby drawing
fluid from the cup into the evacuated tube;
wherein the evacuated tube contains a treating agent for admixture
with the specimen.
48. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 47 wherein
the treating agent is a preservative effective for maintaining the
microbial integrity from a time of specimen collection to a time of
specimen analysis.
49. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 47 wherein
the treating agent is a reagent effective for detecting the
presence of a drug upon admixture with the specimen.
50. An article of manufacture comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end,
a lid with closure means for securing the lid onto the cup, means
defining a channel attached to the cup, and an evacuated tube with
a stoppered end held within the means defining a channel with the
stoppered end directed towards the bottom end of the cup,
a needle positioned and arranged for piercing the stoppered end of
the evacuated tube, the needle being positioned immediately below
the stoppered end of the evacuated tube, and the needle being in
fluid communication with the interior of the cup, and
a protrusion extending from the lid for forcing the evacuated tube
down onto the needle such that the needle pierces the stoppered end
of the evacuated tube when the lid is closed on the container
cup;
wherein the evacuated tube contains a treating agent for admixture
with the specimen.
51. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 50 wherein
said treating agent is a preservative effective for maintaining the
microbial integrity from a time of specimen collection to a time of
specimen analysis.
52. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 50 wherein
said treating agent is a reagent effective for detecting the
presence of a drug upon admixture with the specimen.
53. An article of manufacture comprising:
a cup positioned and arranged to receive and hold a specimen, the
cup having an open top end and a closed bottom end;
a lid positioned and arranged to fit securely onto the open end of
the cup to close the cup;
a main compartment in the cup for receiving and holding a
specimen;
a sample chamber built into the cup having a passage that allows
fluid to enter the sample chamber from the main compartment;
an external sample port in fluid communication with sample chamber,
the external sample port positioned and arranged to allow for fluid
to be withdrawn from the sample chamber; and
closure means for closing the passage opening to the sample chamber
as the lid is closed on the cup;
wherein the sample chamber further comprises a treating agent for
admixture with the specimen.
54. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 53 wherein
the treating agent is a preservative effective for maintaining the
microbial integrity from a time of specimen collection to a time of
specimen analysis.
55. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 53 wherein
the treating agent is a reagent effective for detecting the
presence of a drug upon admixture with the specimen.
56. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 53 wherein
the treating agent is a pH altering substance.
57. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 56 wherein
the pH altering substance is a buffer effective for maintaining the
pH at a desired level.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a specimen collection container for
collection of a sample which provides means for segregating a small
aliquot, or several aliquots, of the sample away from contact with
the remaining portion of the sample. The aliquot portion is
preferably mixed with a treating agent in order to maintain the
microbial integrity of the sample in the state in which it was
originally taken, or in the alternative, with other desired
treating agents which allow the aliquot to be analyzed for the
presence of drugs or other chemical components.
BACKGROUND ART
This invention concerns specimen collection and sampling containers
for collection of liquid specimens, such as urine. At present,
liquid specimens are usually collected in plastic or glass
containers that may have a lid or cover to close the container. The
specimens are then sent to a distant lab for analysis, or put aside
until a technician is ready to initiate the analysis procedure. At
the lab or testing site, portions of the sample are transferred
from the collection container to other containers more suitable for
use in analysis and storage of the sample such as test tubes. It is
often desirable to split a specimen into several aliquots so that
each aliquot may be tested for a different characteristic. For
example, one aliquot may be tested for the presence of specific
chemicals, enzymes, etc. and another may be tested for
microorganism count or bacterial identity. Transfer of the sample
from the collection container under sterile conditions is
problematic. Such methods as pouring, pipetting and funneling the
sample from the collection container to a test tube or other
receptacle are often disadvantageous because the microbiological
and chemical integrity of the original sample may be sacrificed if
asceptic techniques are not followed. Additionally, the increased
possibility of mislabeling occurs with each transfer leading to
erroneous results for a particular patient.
Specimen collection is addressed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,116,066 and
4,300,404 both to Mehl, et al. Devices providing a cannula attached
to a collection container and to the lid through which fluid can be
transferred from the container to a separate evacuated tube are
disclosed therein. These apparatus reduce the possibility of
spillage or contamination of the sample during the transfer. After
fluid is introduced into a collection device as described by Mehl,
an operator or technician may, at a later point in time, apply an
evacuated tube to the Mehl device to withdraw an aliquot. Thus,
transfer of an aliquot from the collection vessel requires an
additional device, an additional step and generally skilled
technical assistance. Even after the transfer is accomplished, the
specimen remains suspect as the time interval between collection
and specimen transfer can be variable and dependent on human
efficiency.
One major problem not addressed by the Mehl patents, nor any other
collection device known in the art, therefore, is the time lag
between the collection of the sample and the analysis of the
sample. Typically, this amounts to a period of days, or at least a
minimum of several hours. During this period, the microbiological
integrity of the sample can change significantly thereby causing
inaccurate results. Due to the importance placed particularly on
urine analysis for diagnosis of disease and a determination of the
presence of foreign substances in the body, fair and accurate
analysis and results are absolutely critical.
Since analysis of the sample immediately after the sample is taken
is almost always logistically impossible, the alternative is to
preserve at least a portion of the sample in the state in which it
was taken. This can be accomplished by mixing a portion of the
sample with a treating agent or chemical preservative of the type
disclosed in a co-pending application Ser. No. 772,954 filed
September 4, 1985 and entitled, "Stabilization of Specimens for
Microbial Analysis," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference. Alternatively, it may be desirable to treat an
aliquot of a specimen with another treating agent to produce a
desired effect useful in analysis of the sample. For example, it
may be desirable to admix a urine specimen to be analyzed for drugs
or other chemical components with a reagent which will produce a
colorimetric change if certain drugs are present, which will
neutralize the pH of urine in preparation for further tests, or
which will alter some other parameter of the urine specimen to
suitably prepare it for analysis.
In order to ensure that a portion of the sample is preserved in the
state in which it was taken, in certain instances, the preservative
must be mixed with a portion of the sample immediately after the
sample is taken. In other instances, immediate admixture with the
treating agent is desirable even if not required. Although a
portion of the sample could be transferred by hand to a separate
container and mixed with the preservative, this would be cumbersome
and would require the immediate attention of a nurse or the person
collecting the sample. Typically, it would be difficult to ensure
that such a transfer was done promptly, accurately, and
aseptically. The present invention provides a device which
overcomes this problem. A device is described that collects and
holds a small aliquot of the specimen separate from the remaining
portion and mixes it with the treating agent without requiring any
extra manipulation by the nurse or the person receiving the sample.
In addition, the present invention allows a larger portion of the
collected specimen to remain unaltered by the treating agent,
allowing for analysis for drugs, sugar levels, or other desired
parameters. In the alternative, the larger portion of the sample
may also be brought in contact with a treatment admixture suitable
for other purposes, e.g., chemical or enzymatic stabilization.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a specimen sampling device, particularly
useful for urine specimens, that collects a liquid specimen and
segregates an aliquot of it away from the remaining portion of the
specimen. Preferably, this aliquot is brought into contact with the
treating agents necessary to maintain the microbial integrity of
the sample from the time of specimen collection to a time of
specimen analysis. The segregation of the aliquot is accomplished
without manipulation by the nurse or the person receiving the
sample but simply by closing a lid on the collection container
after the sample is placed in the container. An aliquot of the
sample is held within a separate compartment or chamber, which may
be comprised of an evacuated tube, located within the container
when the lid is closed. This sample portion is held in the
compartment, mixed with the treating agent, and can be easily
withdrawn at some later time. The separate compartment may contain
any treating agent desired for admixture with an aliquot of the
specimen, for example a drug testing agent or sample preparative
agent such as a buffer.
More than one separate compartment for segration of specimen
aliquots may be provided. Each compartment may contain a different
specimen treating agent, or the same treating agent so as to allow
for multi-parameter testing of a single specimen in the former case
or duplicate treated aliquots in the latter.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the specimen
collection container is comprised of a plastic container with a
screw-on or snap-on lid. The lid holds a small vacuum tube closed
by a stopper within a support chamber protruding from the lid with
the stoppered end of the tube directed towards the bottom of the
container. Attached to the chamber and positioned below the tube is
a shaft, a portion of which is accordian-shaped, that contacts the
inner bottom of the container when the lid is closed. Protruding
from the top of the shaft directly below the stoppered end of the
vacuum tube is a needle adapted for puncturing the stopper. Ports
are located at the base of the shaft that allow fluid in the
container to flow through the ports, up the shaft and into the
needle. As the lid is closed on the container, the shaft is forced
against the bottom of the container and the tube is forced down
upon the needle. The needle punctures the stopper on the vacuum
tube, and the vacuum in the tube draws fluid into the tube from the
container through the ports. The vacuum tube preferably contains a
treating agent that mixes with the fluid as it enters the tube. The
remainder of the specimen is contained in the main portion of the
container. When the aliquot specimen is ready for analysis, the
tube may be removed from the container by removing a peel-off cover
on the lid that covers the tube compartment. The remaining portion
of the sample may be refrigerated, if desired, to await other
analysis. The container may be provided with a plurality of vacuum
tubes and corresponding needles and shafts so that several aliquots
may be segregated from the main specimen for admixture with
different treating agents, or so that multiple aliquots admixed
with the same treating agent may be obtained.
As an alternative to the accordian-shaped shaft described above,
the needle may be positioned on the top of a hollow column or rigid
base attached to the tube chamber in a plunger-type fashion. The
column or base has ports located below the needle allowing fluid to
flow from the container to the needle. As the lid is closed on the
container, the base of the column hits the bottom of the container,
and the chamber is forced down over the column with the needle
penetrating the stopper on the tube.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container having a
channel on the inside of the container for holding the vacuum tube.
The needle is positioned near the side of the container directly
beneath the stoppered end of the vacuum tube. As the lid is closed
on the container after the sample has been introduced into the
container, the lid, or a protrusion on the lid, forces the tube
down onto the needle such that it punctures the stopper, and the
vacuum in the tube draws fluid from the container into the tube. A
portion of the sample is thereby preserved in the tube, and the
tube is easily removable by removing the lid. In order to provide a
plurality of sample chambers, several tubes may be used as sample
chambers with the tubes being placed in channels within the
container and each tube having an associated needle to pierce the
stopper on the tube. Either a screw-on lid with an appropriately
located inner rim, or a snap-on lid with appropriately located
protrusions may be used with the multiple tubes.
In another embodiment of the invention, a vacuum tube is attached
to the lid and a needle is attached to the bottom of the cup
portion of the container, such needle being positioned directly
below the stoppered end of the tube as the lid is closed. The
needle may be attached to a built-up base or shaft that has ports
below the needle that allow fluid to enter and flow to the needle.
The tube may be held within a chamber by the peel-off cover and may
be removed from the container by removing the cover.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a specimen
container is provided that includes a sampling chamber built into
the container. The sampling chamber may lie below the main
compartment of the container, or it may lie around the bottom of
the inside walls of the container. The chamber is sealed off from
the main compartment of the container except for one opening
through which fluid may enter the chamber from the main
compartment. One of several means may be used to close off this
opening: a flexible piece of plastic sliding in a grooved slot, a
plug that fits into the opening, a hinge, or a threaded screw. All
of these closure means are activated by simply closing the lid on
the container after the sample has been introduced into the
container. The chemical preservative or treating agent can be
placed in the sample chamber prior to the entry of the sample. The
chamber may be accessed through an external port extending through
the wall of the container that is adapted for easy transfer of the
portion of the sample in the chamber to another container, such as
an evacuated tube, for analysis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The foregoing and additional objects and advantages of the
invention will be more apparent when the following detailed
description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing,
wherein like reference characters denote like parts in all views
and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the specimen collection
container showing a vacuum tube held by the lid with a needle
protruding from an accordian-shaped shaft inserted through the
stopper on the vacuum tube and the lid closed on the container;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lid with the peel-off label holding
the tube;
FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention utilizing
a column support for the needle and showing the lid approaching the
closed position;
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing one embodiment of the invention that
provides multiple sample chambers;
FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention that
provides a built-up base in the container and the needle attached
to the base directly below the vacuum tube as the lid is
closed;
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the invention with the needle
and the vacuum tube included within a channel on the inside of the
container with a snap-on lid;
FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 6 with a screw-on lid;
FIG. 8 is a side view showing a container incorporating two tubes
held within channels;
FIG. 9 is a side view showing an evacuated tube held within a
channel that is formed on the outside of the container, and the
container having a hinged lid;
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the invention with a sampling
chamber around the bottom of the inside walls of the container with
one opening into the main compartment, an external sample port and
closure means that uses a sliding piece of flexible plastic in a
grooved slot;
FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of the invention that has a sample
chamber below the bottom of the main compartment with an external
sample port and threaded screw closure means;
FIG. 12 shows a container with a sampling chamber and hinged
closure means;
FIG. 13 shows a container with a plug for closing the sample
chamber;
FIG. 14 shows a break-away plug with catch means; and
FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a breakaway plug with catch
means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a specimen collection container that
collects, segregates and holds an aliquot, or several aliquots, of
a liquid sample away from contact with the remaining sample in
order to preserve the microbial or chemical integrity of the
aliquot. The segregation of the aliquot requires no extra
manipulation as the segregation is accomplished by simply closing
the lid on the container after the sample is received. Preferably,
the separated portion of the sample is brought in contact with a
treating agent. This reduces the possibility of the sample becoming
altered due to the time lag between taking the sample and
performing the analysis on the sample. The preserved sample can
later be removed separately from the main portion of the sample.
The invention is particularly useful in preserving a urine sample
for microbiological and chemical analysis, but it can be used for
similar analysis of other liquid samples as well, such as milk
samples. While the preferred embodiment uses a microbial
preservative to mix with the aliquot, it is envisioned that any
type of chemical or biological treating agent desired may be
introduced into the segregation chamber and mixed with the aliquot.
For example, pH altering agents, buffers, drug analysis reagents
and the like may be employed as treating agents.
One embodiment of the invention provides a specimen collection
container that includes a small vacuum tube, about 2 ml, with a
stoppered end and a needle for puncturing the stopper all held
within the collection container. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment for
the collection container, generally shown as 10. Container 10 is
comprised of a lower cup portion 12 and a lid 14. Lid 14 may be a
screw-on lid as it is shown in FIG. 1 with the associated threads
on the outer rim of the cup and the inner rim of the lid.
Alternatively, lid 14 may be a snap-on lid with the lid closing
down over the cup and the cup having a lip or other catch means for
securing the snap-on lid. Included in this embodiment is a vacuum
tube 16 held within a support chamber 28 by a peel-off cover 18
which covers an access hole 34 in the lid 14. Support chamber 28
protrudes from the inner side of the lid and may be molded as one
piece with the lid. Attached to the support chamber 28, is a shaft
20 a portion of which is accordian-shaped, and the shaft holds a
hollow needle 22 directly below a stopper 26 on tube 16. The
accordian shape gives shaft 20 some compressibility as it contacts
the bottom of the container. Near the base of shaft 20 are ports 24
that allow fluid to enter shaft 20 from cup 12. As the lid 14 is
screwed down onto the cup 12, the shaft 20 is forced against the
bottom of cup 12. The accordian shape of the shaft 20 allows the
shaft to compress to an extent as the lid is being closed. As the
lid continues to close, the needle 22 pierces the stopper 26 and
the vacuum in tube 16 draws liquid from the cup 12 through the
ports 24, shaft 20, needle 22 and into the tube 16. As the fluid
enters the tube 16, it comes in contact with a treating agent that
is contained in the tube that acts to preserve the sample in the
tube in that state in which it entered. FIG. 1 shows container 10
in the closed position with the needle 22 through the stopper
26.
The peel-off cover 18 is a flexible but semirigid material, such as
aluminum, paper or plastic, that is coated with an adhesive on the
underside to stick to the lid 14. FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the
lid 14 with the peel-off cover 18, vacuum tube 16, and the support
chamber 28 for holding the tube 16. The cover 18 holds tube 16
within support chamber 28 as it is forced upward by the needle 22
before the needle pierces the stopper 26. The peel-off cover 18
covers access hole 34 in lid 14. The vacuum tube 16 may be removed
from container 10 by peeling off cover 18 and removing the tube
through the hole 34. The cover 18 may then be repositioned to cover
the access hole 34. Access hole 34 may be enlarged to provide
easier removal of tube 16.
As an alternative embodiment of the invention, a hollow column
shaft 30 may replace the accordian shaft 20 in FIG. 1. The column
30, shown in FIG. 3, is slidably engaged with the support chamber
28 directly below tube 16 and has sample ports 32 near its base to
allow fluid to enter the column and flow up through needle 22. The
column 30, as well as the accordian-shaft 20 shown in FIG. 1,
secures needle 22 in a substantially vertical position so that it
can easily pierce the stopper 26 on tube 16. As the lid 14 is
placed on the container and begins to close, the column 30 contacts
the bottom of cup 12 and the chamber 28 slides over column 30.
Unlike the accordian-shaped shaft in FIG. 1, when the column 30
contacts the bottom of cup 12 it does not yield but is rigid, and
it forces the needle 22 through the stopper 26. Again, the tube 16
is held within support chamber 28 by a peel-off cover 18. The cover
18 may be pulled back and the tube 16 easily removed.
A plurality of sample chambers may be provided in order to provide
a plurality of preserved samples or to treat several portions of a
sample with a different treating agent for various analyses. In the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, several evacuated tubes could
be held within a chamber. FIG. 4 shows a plan view of one
embodiment that includes three evacuated tubes 16 held within a
chamber 29. Needles held within shafts similar to the ones shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3 may be used with each tube in FIG. 4.
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. A built-up
base or support 40 is attached to the bottom of cup 12 which holds
needle 22 in a substantially vertical position. Needle 22 is
positioned such that it is directly below the stopper 26 of tube 16
when the lid 14 is placed on the cup 12. As before, when the lid 14
is closed, the needle 22 pierces the stopper 26 on the tube 16 and
fluid in the cup 12 is drawn by the vacuum in tube 16 into the tube
through ports 42 located near the base of column 40 and through the
needle 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the other features of the container
10 are as described for the first and second embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3.
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. The vacuum
tube 46 is held within a channel 50 on the inside of cup 12. Needle
48 is positioned directly below the stoppered end of vacuum tube 46
within a shaft 52 or other suitable support means. Near the base of
the shaft 52 is a sample port 66 that allows fluid from inside the
cup to flow into the needle 48. The tube 46 may be held in place by
flexible plastic support means 54. FIG. 6 shows collection
container 10 with a snap-on lid 56 that is attached to cup 12 by a
hinge means 58. Lip 60 is positioned on the outside of cup 12 near
the top so that it acts as a latch for lid 56 as it is closed on
cup 12. Lid 56 also has a piston 62 that protrudes from the
underside of lid 56 and towards the bottom of cup 12 as the lid is
closed. Piston 62 acts to force the tube 46 down onto the needle 48
as the lid 56 is closed on cup 12. Needle 48 pierces the stopper 64
on tube 46 and the vacuum in the tube draws fluid into the tube
from the container through port 66 and needle 48. A treating agent
may be introduced into the tube 46 prior to it being positioned in
channel 50 that mixes with the sample fluid as it enters tube 46.
Tube 46 may be withdrawn at a later time by removing the lid and
retracting the tube.
FIG. 7 shows a similar embodiment to that described in FIG. 6
except that a screw-on lid 70 is used instead of a snap-on lid. In
order to accommodate lid 70, cup 12 has threads around its outer
upper rim that accommodate the inner threads of lid 70. Lid 70 also
has an inner rim 72 that fits inside of cup 12. As lid 70 is
screwed down onto cup 12, rim 72 contacts the upper end of vacuum
tube 46 and forces it down upon the needle 48. As the needle 48
punctures the stopper 64, fluid from the cup 12 is drawn into the
tube 46. Similar to previously described embodiments, a treating
agent may be used to treat the sample, and the tube may be removed
at some later time by unscrewing the lid 70.
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment with two evacuated tubes 46 held within
two channels 50 similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
More than two tubes could be arranged within the cup 12 to provide
a plurality of segregated samples. FIG. 8 shows a screw-on lid with
an inner rim similar to that shown in FIG. 7. A snap-on lid could
also be used with the lid having protrusions located so as to force
the tubes down onto the needles as the lid is closed.
FIG. 9 shows an evacuated tube 46 held within a channel 51 similar
to that shown in FIG. 6, but the channel 51 is formed on the
outside of the cup 12. Sample passage 67 allows fluid from inside
the cup 12 to flow to the needle 48 which is held by a support 53.
A snap-on lid 57 with a protrusion 63 is used to force the tube
down onto the needle. Similarly, a screw-on lid could be used with
a rim extending from the lid so as to force the tube down onto the
needle as the lid is screwed on the cup. Also, a plurality of tubes
could be used and arranged in channels around the outside of the
cup.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a sampling
chamber is built into the cup portion of the container with an
opening to the main chamber that may be closed by various
alternative means as the lid is closed on the container. FIG. 10
shows one embodiment of the invention that includes a sample
chamber 76 positioned around the base of the walls of the cup 78.
The chamber 76 has an opening 80 which allows fluid to enter the
chamber from the main compartment 77 of cup 78. A flexible strip of
plastic 82 sliding in a grooved slot 84 acts as a closure means for
closing the opening 80. The flexible piece of plastic 82 and the
grooved slot 84 extend from the bottom of the cup 78 where it
closes opening 80 along the side and up to the top of cup 78. The
closure means are activated, as before, by closing the lid on the
container. As the lid 86 is screwed onto cup 78, the inner side of
lid 86 contacts the upper end of the plastic strip 82 and forces it
in slot 84 down towards the bottom of cup 78 and over opening 80.
Plastic strip 82 is proportioned such that as lid 86 is tightened
down on cup 78, strip 82 has completely covered opening 80 and
closed off the flow of fluid from the main compartment 77 to the
sample chamber 76. Cup 78 has an external sample port 90 that
extends from sample chamber 76 through the wall of cup 78 and
protrudes beyond the cup. The sample port 90 is adapted to allow
for easy transfer of the sample in chamber 76 to an appropriate
testing vessel such as a test tube. A treating agent may be
introduced into the sample chamber 76 via the sample port 90 in a
tablet or capsule form before a sample is introduced into the
container and the sample port closed.
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 11. In this
embodiment, a sample chamber 94 is built into the bottom of cup 96
such that it is below the main compartment of cup 96. Chamber 94
has an opening 98 near the center which is fitted with receiving
threads 99. As shown in FIG. 11, lid 100 includes a protrusion 102
extending from the lid 100 into the opening 98 when the lid is
closed on the container. The end of protrusion 102 has external
threads 103 that fit the threads 99 of opening 98. As lid 100 is
screwed onto cup 96, the protrusion 102 screws into the opening 98
and closes off the flow of fluid between the sample chamber 94 and
the main compartment of the cup 96 and holds lid 100 securely
closed upon cup 96. FIG. 11 shows a similar configuration for an
external sample port 104 to that shown in FIG. 10. After the lid
100 is closed, the fluid in chamber 94 may be accessed through
sample port 104 by removing stopper 106 or by syringe through the
stopper. Again, a treating agent may be placed in the chamber 94
through the sample port 104 before the stopper is put in place and
before the sample is introduced into the container.
FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 11.
Instead of threaded closure means, the embodiment in FIG. 12
includes a hinged closure flap 110 attached to the bottom of the
main compartment of cup 96 by a hinge 112. The flap 110 is
positioned above an opening 114 and has a plug 116 which helps to
plug opening 114. A protrusion 118 from lid 120 forces flap 110
down against plug 116 to cover opening 114 as the lid 120 is
screwed down onto the container. As the flap 110 is forced down
over opening 114, a catch 122 positioned adjacent to flap 110 will
catch and hold the flap in the closed position. Catch 122 is
somewhat flexible as it is bent slightly as flap 110 is closed, but
then catch 122 returns to its upright position to hold flap 110.
Flap 110 is also adapted to effectively seal off the opening 114
when the flap is in the closed position. Again, the sample in
chamber 115 may be accessed through external sample port 104, and a
treating agent may be introduced as previously described.
FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 show other alternative closure means to those
described in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 13 shows a plug 126 attached to
the bottom of the main compartment of cup 96 by an accordian shaped
support 128 that is compressible with the plug 126 being positioned
directly above an opening 127. The support 128 has openings that
allow fluid to enter the sample chamber 129 from the main
compartment of the container when the plug is in the open position.
The plug 126 has tabs 130 that lock the plug 126 in the opening 127
once plug 126 has been forced into the closed position. Plug 126 is
closed by a protrusion 131 that forces the plug into the opening
127 as the lid is closed on the container.
Another embodiment for the plug closure means is shown in FIG. 14
as a break-away plug 134 is attached to the end of protrusion 136.
Within an opening 138 are catches 140. When the lid 142 is screwed
onto the cup 144, the rubber plug 134 is pressed into the opening
138 thereby sealing off a sample chamber 146. The catches 140 hold
the plug 134 in place, and the plug 134 breaks off of protrusion
136 when the lid is removed. FIG. 15 shows another embodiment for a
break-away plug 148 with the catch means 150 located adjacent to
the opening 138. Again, an external sample port 152 provides access
to the sample chamber 146 for introducing a preservative and
withdrawing the sample from chamber 146. Similarly, other devices
may be used to close opening 138.
From the foregoing detailed description, it is apparent that the
invention describes a specimen sampling device that collects a
liquid sample and segregates an aliquot of the sample from the
remaining portion of the sample so that it may be treated by mixing
it with an appropriate treating agent. This segregation is
accomplished by simply closing the lid on the collection container.
Having described only a few embodiments, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to
the invention as described without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *